BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)

Subject: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 10 May 08 - 06:25 PM

I'm going to buy a new car cos the Renault Kangoo Trekka I bought 11 months ago is a rogue car. It's had 7 months warrenty work done on the transmission and now the steering is failing. Can hardly turn the wheel! It's going. It's one 5 years old.

So my question is which car would you replace it with? I need at least 2.0ltr Diesel, manual gear box, estate car that's good for towing my light trailer and a caravan I may buy in the future. It must have good mpg and decent bhp. I must have a good cd sound system cos i do all my listening in my car.

8)

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 May 08 - 07:57 PM

Ciroens seem to be quite cheap as used cars , I have just swopped a C5 Estate for a smaller engined Xsara - The C5 was giving me ten miles to a litre of diesel and is long enough (with the rear seats down) for me to sleep in if I wanted . I dont know why they dont hold value , but I got mine on an 02 plate for £2500 .

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 10 May 08 - 08:57 PM

HYUNDAI

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Gurney
Date: 10 May 08 - 11:59 PM

Toyota. They last and are reliable. There is nothing cutting-edge about them, Toyota seem to wait until technology is proven before incorporating it.

Ask an auto-electrician which cars he DOESN'T see.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Amos
Date: 11 May 08 - 01:39 AM

Get a RAV 4 with the 4-banger, Everything you need, nothign you don't, and reliable forever.

I have the 6-cylinder and I adore it.



A

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 11 May 08 - 02:09 AM

I need at least 2.0ltr Diesel, manual gear box

Most advisors recommend that you NOT lock your thinking onto specifications of this kind. It's better, albeit a little more difficult to do, to look for specific performance specs, rather than for a particular kind of hardware.

Also, choosing a particular brand can cost you. It's a good start if you're buying new, but in the used market the condition of the particular vehicle you find that meets your "spec" is usually more important than just "buying a name."

My US market is much different than yours. (As an example: your preference for Diesel may be justified, but here it can be very difficult to find.)

In the US the most difficult "spec" to meet - and the one most often overlooked - would be adequate towing capacity. Although I found some fairly detailed specs on the Kangoo, that's one of the things omitted. While almost any car can pull very small trailers, exceeding the limits can be a cause of "lemonish" performance.

(600 pounds [270 kg] is a fairly common total loaded gross trailer weight rating for "mid-size" passenger cars in the US.)

Caravans in the UK appear to run smaller than "Campers" in the US, but even our little "popup" (12' Jayco) grossed over 1500 lb (680 kg). Our current "small" "ultra-light" hard-sided camper (27' AirLite) lists at about 2300 lb empty but probably approaches 3500 lb [1600 kg] with water tanks, propane, stocked refrigerator, and the mandolin onboard.

Few "half-ton" pickup trucks - the most popular size sold in the US - are really adequate to tow our "little" camper, much less the ones people yank around with them. Without at least a little bit of special equipment, run-of-the-mill towing capacities top out at about 3,000 lb (~1,399 kg), even for "real trucks." Our little WVA camping group has seen three blown engines, two burned out trannies, and one shredded transaxle in "BIG TRUCKS" while towing in the past 8 or 10 years, and most of the people involved were "once a year" campers.

If towing anything will be part of your use, I would recommend looking at the actual size¹ of caravans you might have an interest in while you intend to still have the new vehicle, and find out exactly what the manufacturer considers the "towing capacity" of brands/models in which you might be interested. Then be careful that the specific vehicle you are interested in has the "extras" for the ratings you found.

¹ Both total loaded maximum gross weight and frontal area of the trailer can be important in determining whether your tow vehicle has the capacity for a given trailer.

In the US, individual RV dealers and dealer associations publish (on the web) lists of towing capacities for commonly used brands/models; but the lists I know where to find don't include vehicle models you'd find in your market. Dealers may or may not know what you're talking about if you ask them. Used vehicle dealers usually respond to questions with a totally blank look.

Most common vehicles can be misused and abused rather brutally, and some percent of them will survive with few visible scars; but checking out the specs before making the buy can avoid getting an unworthy wimp that will fail to live up to what you expect.

John

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Acorn4
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:33 AM

We're very happy with our Renault Megane diesel - 60mpg+ on long runs and pulls the caravan with no problems.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:46 AM

I've been towing for 11 years with a 1.4 mitsubishi colt coupe which was brilliant; a ford escourt estate 1.8 with no power steering, bloody awful; a vauxhall vectra estate, 1.8 (i think) very poor; and now I have this 1.9 4x4 Kangoo which tows brilliantly. I keep checking the mirror to check the trailer is still there! Trouble is it's a rogue car and once bitten...

I've been to a Peugeot dealer and have been recommended a brand new 307 hdi S 1.6 ltr. As they are giving me a good part ex on my Kangoo; I'm tempted but now think I should go for the 2.0. I've been told the 407's body is that much heavier and not much different from the 307. As this car is to last for 'ever' I don't want to make a mistake this time. The Kangoo looked and drove well when I test drove it but when I went to collect it from the dealer it had an odd clicking noise in the back end. I said it was the diff, the RAC post purchase check agreed, a local Renault dealer agreed, and 7 months later, with new transmission and 1,000's spent under warrenty, the dealer agreed with me! I'm sure it was cos I'm a woman and they think I know nothing!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Anne Lister
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:53 AM

We (each) have Citroen Picassos - 2 ltr diesel, manual gear box, good amount of power, excellent CD system, air con, fairly economical. My husband is casting sheep's eyes at a Toyota Prius, because at some point soon we should probably both change our cars, but I'd want another Picasso (although they've been renamed, I think - can't remember if they're now C5s?)

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 11 May 08 - 07:06 AM

Fiat get a bad press but I have had a 53 reg Stilo for 3 or 4 years now and it has been brilliant. Not quite a 2 litre - It's a 1.9 multi-valve JTD which, apparently won all sorts of awards. Mines the 4 door hatch but they do an estate which is amazing, with all sorts of clever things you can do with the seat configuration. If you are after new though I think the Stilo has been replaced with the new Brava. Worth a look anyway.

The other one that is well worth a second look is the Suzuki/Fiat produced multi-wheel drive Fiat Sedici - Suziki provide the 4x4 running gear and Fiat provide the 1.9 JTD engine. The drive configuration is very clever indeed - Front wheel drive, more to front than rear, 4x4 and an option to automate the decision for you! Smaller than the usual Chelsea tractors but seem to have enough room for most. Very reasonably priced for a real off-roader as well. I like clever name too. Sixteen in Italian is Sedici, and what does 4x4 make?

Good luck whatever you get.

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 11 May 08 - 09:00 AM

Sal - worth checking fuel efficiency and tax band

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 11 May 08 - 09:10 AM

We have a 2001 Hyundai Sonata with over 90 K miles on it, and all I've done so far is replace the timing belt and a wheel bearing.Jacqui and I are on a road trip sown south, and the car has given us over 32 mpg. Granted, it is a 4 cylinder engine that wouldn't pull the wrinkles out of a sheet, but unburdened, it will get under weigh quick enough for me.
In my not so humble opinion, they are as good as Toyota. It seems that Toyota is having some call back problems these days.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: diesel
Date: 11 May 08 - 09:47 AM

I've just sadly parted with My Citroen C5 Diesel 2 litre 90 Bhp ... needed a 7 seater for family expansion etc.

Now have a new (08) Citroen C4 Grand picasso - 7 seater. Very happy with its performance.

The newer engines in the Citroen/Renault/Peugeot range are smaller, now 1.6 litre Diesels are giving 110 BHP where the 2.0 litres are up to 130 BHP.

Totally reliable in my view - Never looked too deep into VW passat but engine and spec wise there excellent too.

Oh and the C4 GP .... Very good CD system too

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 May 08 - 10:05 AM

It really depends on two things: the miles you will do and the weight you will tug.

Very few UK caravans (other than the gin palaces) top out with a gross laden weight of over 1500kgs and many reasonable sized ones even with fixed bed are looking more like 1300kg. Small caravans (particularly older ones without so many silly gadgets) are often under 1000kg, sensibly laden.

If you are a low mileage driver like me, under 15,000 miles per year, then mpg is nothing to worry about. You can happily get an old volvo - 20 years old, and so long as it is any 2.3 litre or the 2.0 litre turbo it will tug a sensible sized van with ease. If you get one with only about 100,000 miles or so on the clock it will be reliable robust and comfortable and bush mechanics can service most of it (be careful about the lockup auto box). A volvo like that will do about 250,000 miles before it is starting to be worn out. Maximum towing weight 1800 kg (if you have a volvo towbar and do not go over 45).

You will only need to pay about 300 to 400 pounds for it - and think how much servicing and fuelling you can do with what you save! Any boy racer shop will put a modern sound system in it for not a lot of money.

The snag is that unless you get a diesel you will struggle to see 30mpg with no van on, and most likely struggle to get even 20 mpg with a van on. Your tax will be expensive, but insurance cheap.

IMHO you will more than gain on the swings what you lose on the roundabouts.



If you want something more modern, the Skodas with AWD are pretty cheap second hand, the 2 litre turbo petrols go like rockets and the 140bhp diesels surprisingly urgent.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: pdq
Date: 11 May 08 - 10:49 AM

The brand new Suburu diesel Outback look like it has everything and a price to match.

"According to an article written by MSN.UK, the flat-4 diesel engine will be offered in both the Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons, identified as the Subaru Legacy 2.0 TD REn sedan or Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer 2.0TD RE. Prices quoted were £21,995 and the vehicle was slated to be released in the UK starting March 2008. The vehicle is offered with a 5 speed manual transmission only.

The official introduction of the Legacy and Outback diesel will be at the Geneva AutoShow in March, 2008."
   
                read more here

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 11 May 08 - 01:42 PM

Sal, I know I'm biased, but think about a Landrover Discovery, a late model 300Tdi will pull anything, there are no computers to run the engine which makes things simple(and cheap!) driven with a light right foot they'll return 38+ MPG, parts grow on trees at the bottom of the garden, and £3000 will get you a really good one(But not mine! But she is a V8!) If you use an independent service specialist, a service will set you back around £350 all in for a yearly. A really good Series 2 Disco will set you back around £10.000, but will have every knob, bell, and whistle in the world.

Wassail! Chris

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 May 08 - 01:45 PM

I have a series 2 for sale BTW

G

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 11 May 08 - 02:06 PM

I'm with you on the Citroens, Leadfingers.

We've had ZX 1.9 diesel for the last 10 years. I think the 1st one had done about 170,000 when someone rammed into the back of it writing it of and the I think the "new" one which shows about 115,000 cost about £1000. In our part of the mileages, I can't think of anything more than a clutch go.

I guess the the models with the funny suspension might have put people off buying used - I believe a few garages would refer people to main dealers for some jobs (although when we had BXs, my brother worked in a Citroen garage so we didn't worry) but the ZX isn't one of those.

I'm not sure what the replacement for the ZX was but my (now ex - he's a gardener now) mechanic brother has one and likes it.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 May 08 - 02:19 PM

The 300TDI Disco is a great off-roader, but will cause industrial deafness on a long journey. Not good for CD listening.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 11 May 08 - 03:31 PM

Subaru



biLL

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:07 PM

Rust

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Folkiedave
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:37 PM

Toyota 2 litre doiesel estate 116.000 miles and like new. New clutch at 105,000 - this is hilly Sheffield.

Will run it into the ground - may take a while!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 11 May 08 - 06:05 PM

thank you ever so much, don't stop now.

x Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 May 08 - 06:19 PM

Well I'm sure Sal that you know about towing weight regs etc, but just in case.


"Towing caravans

For towing caravans, existing general guidance recommends that the laden weight of the caravan does not exceed 85% of the unladen weight of the car. In the majority of cases, caravans and small trailers towed by cars should be within the new category B threshold."

I tow a 23 foot caravan, or a 19 foot boat, and I have looked into the possibility of buying a smaller vehicle, but it doesn't stack up. For my requirements I need a vehicle that will pull 2 tons, and in spite of the increase in road tax next year, I have opted for another 2.5 litre Diesel Discovery, as it will not knacker it to tow that weight.
So you need to consider these facts when buying a towing vehicle.

Giok

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: skarpi
Date: 11 May 08 - 06:36 PM

PEUGOT 407 ST DIESEL 2,0 ltr, 2007 to 2008 its a fantastic car

ATBSkarpi Iceland

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 11 May 08 - 06:51 PM

Re Peugot, they can have an awful lot in common with Citroen see here.

I wonder how the used values compare.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 May 08 - 07:12 PM

UK?
I'll take the Aston-Martin any day. And a Morgan Roadster V6 for the wife.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 11 May 08 - 07:15 PM

Peugot, Citroen, same engine.......Get the Disco, lasts longer, works harder, won't get stuck!

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Grab
Date: 12 May 08 - 07:41 AM

I got a Citroen Berlingo last year. Now 5 years old, 43k miles, cost a little under £4k. Drives beautifully, fairly quiet, 1.8l diesel is fairly powerful and very economical. And there's *tons* of room inside - enough for me, other guitarist, full PA rig and all our kit without even going above window level, or five people in total comfort. The rear seats have a clever folding system which is very quick and easy, unlike most estates, and gives a large flat floor. It's also well-designed for stowage spaces and stuff like that. It doesn't corner brilliantly, but then it's a van with seats in it so you don't expect it to handle like a sportscar - in a straight line it goes and stops quite happily. They were (and are) very popular, so there are quite a few come up second-hand. No reason you can't get a very nice example for £4-5k, or a reasonable older one for £3-4k.

As for reliability - well, the mechanic who's been doing our cars for the last couple of years has one himself. Nuff said really. :-) My only complaint is that the front seats don't fit my back, but a cushion for lumbar support fixes that problem.

Incidentally, I suspect that with a Berlingo you're really not going to need that trailer. The damn thing's like the Tardis - you can just keep throwing gear in there and it hardly makes a dent in the space.

You might have guessed by now that I *really* like this car. :-) It's the only one we've owned that I'd recommend to anyone without hesitation, and if this one ever got written off then I'd buy another one immediately.

Of course, if I didn't need to carry a PA system and everything else around then I'd be buying a Marlin/Javelin Cabrio, which is quite simply the most beautiful car I've ever seen. A close second would be the Autotune Aristocat which is a slightly widened XK120 replica. One of these days...

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 May 08 - 08:33 AM

Graham, Sal's trailer is for catering purposes, she takes it round festivals etc, and sell the lucky punters, delicious freshly made lemonade. That's why she's Mrs Lemon.
Look out for her at a festival and sign her Mudcatters book, then she'll sell you a glass at a special rate.


Giok

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Grab
Date: 12 May 08 - 10:17 AM

Ah, trailer as something to sell things from. OK, I stand corrected on the stand, and will stall my comments on the stall. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 08 - 11:37 AM

Peugot 307 cc bought brand new been back to the garage five times in six months, still not right, boot sometimes locks, elec windows sometime work, aircon only blasts cold air, now its been recalled cos the ABS is faulty. Say no more wont bother with another, want to swap for wife's Range Rover but she's hidden the keys. Bugger.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 08 - 11:39 AM

Sorry should read heater only blasts cold air, cos the aircon is faulty, but I think I've said enough.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 08 - 11:42 AM

Re disco fans, whole heartedly agree. Wifes Range Rover 34 years old, starts first time, never gets stuck, never lets us down, tows anything. Sails through MOT. God, I want that car. Anyone want a Peugot ?

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 May 08 - 12:08 PM

You only want that woman for her vehicular transport!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 12 May 08 - 12:25 PM

Secretly this is the Solihull lovers thread! *g*

19 year old Disco, V8 and still looks as good as the day it rolled off the production line.

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 12 May 08 - 01:44 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am now the proud owner of a bargain of the year (I hope).

I took my old cow to market and asked for a test drive in a Renault Scenic. "We don't have a brand new one", he said, "but we do have one that belongs to the garage for you to try". Well, this has 7,000 on the clock, 12 months old and has been driven by the Service Manager.   150bhp, 2.0 ltr,6 gears, Sunroof, not sure about mpg yet. It's lovely to drive and some space age gismo's to boot! I have 2yrs manufacturer's warrenty and I can extend that for another year.

So went into the garage today, saw it, drove it, bought it, and drove away in it. Just got to get a tow bar fitted now.


It's a nice greeny grey metalic ... how much? £3,500 on my car so £9,000 paid. Dynamique
S dCi 150 6 Speed £20,555.00 brand new. What do you think?

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 May 08 - 02:13 PM

I wish you every success, but my stepson's other half had a series one Laguna and twice it ate the central locking and antitheft, and it cost a grand to fix eack time, and generally it spent a lot of time not working. Another good friend had one of the more recent Laguna estates, 6 speed turbo-diesel, electronic locking, sexy female voice telling you things, every boy's toy in the book. For a year it was his price and joy - and then the warranty expired and all the gadgets started going wrong and until his then company would let him terminate the lease it was a total albatross around his neck.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 May 08 - 02:29 PM

Enjoy it Sal

G

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Rog Peek
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:32 PM

Oh well, looks like I'm too late. But here's my advice anyway.

Any car manufactured before Jan 1st 1973 will have no road tax to pay, irrespective of engine size. Fully comprehensive, agreed value insurance at very low rates. Little or no depreciation. Parts will be uncomplicated and so very cheap. No on board computer means no crashes.....well not that sort anyway. And the added bonus that the manufacturing costs to the environment are spread over 35+ years and so means in the long run, your car will be far 'greener' than any modern hybrid.

So there!

Rog

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 13 May 08 - 03:24 PM

Rog, thanks for that. You are right, I'm sure.

I have to say that I don't believe in 'green' and saving the planet. But that's another story.

Thanks for everyone's help. I did bare it all in mind when looking for a car. This one is absolutely wonderful and will last me for a very long time. Well 3 years at least!

x Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Gulliver
Date: 13 May 08 - 06:40 PM

You bared what in mind, Sal???

Don

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Sooz
Date: 14 May 08 - 02:43 AM

Mike had a Renault Laguna from new which was lovely and I had a Clio which I bought as an ex courtesy car at 3months old. Both were 100% reliable, although the Clio started to cost money at MOT time after 10 years. We only changed make because our local dealer went out of business, not out of any dissatisfaction. Enjoy your new car, Sal.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 May 08 - 03:52 AM

Hope it does well for you and gives plenty of good service, ms lemon

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: theleveller
Date: 14 May 08 - 08:30 AM

I'd never recommend a car to anyone. Kiss of death!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 May 08 - 09:21 AM

Rangie -

Drinks more than I do
Gearbox probs
Transfer box probs
Front hub probs
Steering stabiliser probs
Easy to invert
Chassis rust
Parts of bodypanels too
Tyre costs horrifying

But a huge grin factor! I was very sad not to be able to take up an offer of a 110V8 at one stage in my life... but 10mpg with the wardo on the back was going to kill me.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:04 AM

There is definitely only one car to drive and that is SOMEBODY ELSES.
It makes it even more pleasurable if they put the petrol in!.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Seaking
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:58 AM

I've got a 10 year old Peugeot 406,2.0 ltr petrol, 110,000 miles, has never let me down and runs as sweet as the day it was new.

It tows well (I'd probably recommend the diesel if you tow regularly)and I sometimes put a roof box on it. Lots of boot space and comfortable. 4 speaker system - I just put my MP3s through an FM transmitter.

Chris

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: bubblyrat
Date: 15 May 08 - 12:25 PM

In my / Anniecat's experience, Renault Scenic equals blown head-gasket,rust,faulty software,duff heater, and other problems. Also, a French friend of mine recently acquired a new Renault Clio, and reckons it is not a PATCH on her old Clio !!----And she's FRENCH ( and very loyal to the marque ).But I hope yours will be OK, Lemmy !!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 May 08 - 01:06 PM

Well I have a 2yr warranty and i will extend for another year after that.

What year was the Scenic you are talking about?

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: ard mhacha
Date: 15 May 08 - 01:34 PM

Free bus or train to anywhere in Ireland, luxury.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 May 08 - 04:29 AM

how do you get a free bus? I see we can fly to ireland for £20 so that would be brilliant if i didn't bring the new car!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 16 May 08 - 07:29 AM

My friendly local (non-car-manufaturer) garage says that the newer Peugeots and Citroens have a lot more electrical faults. They get a lot of electrical work on Renaults as well. I've got one of the last 306 estates and I won't be replacing it with a 307. They reckon VW is the way to go at the moment. Skoda have a lot of parts the same, but its the ones that are Skoda's own that break down.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: kendall
Date: 16 May 08 - 08:14 AM

We have many pre 1973 cars. They are called "Rust buckets".

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 16 May 08 - 12:11 PM

My experience of Citroens over 30 years is that the newer models e.g. the C5 have a LOT fewer faults than older ones.

For instance the Hydractive II suspension on the C5 is good for 100k+ miles without work whereas the old setup using an engine driven pump which powered the brakes and the suspension did demand new spheres and fluid at intervals. Just look how many taxi drivers use HDi diesel C5s - cheap and reliable. Mind you they are a bit plug ugly (the cars, not the taxi drivers).

A couple of chaps who have owned recent new Renault Scenics, Meganes and Moduses have had all sorts of problems with coils, gearboxes and other things.

A slightly surreal discussion this morning between myself and another Francophile suggested a Panhard PL17 decapotable, a Citroen Ami 8 or a Dyane (the 1970s Berlingo!) And how about a Tatra? Big as Buckingham Palace, rear engined V8 power and swing axles, give yourself the fright of your life in the wet!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Rog Peek
Date: 16 May 08 - 12:33 PM

mslemon
You get a free bus or train anywhere in Ireland if you are old enough!

Rog

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 May 08 - 06:20 PM

I had a Scenic 1.6 petrol, kept it till 94,000 miles. Main problems (as confirmed by Which car guide) - it ate through brake pads and tyres(not heavy on brakes in previous cars)- persistent binding problems. And poor servicing (fractured a spark plug, mis-diagnosed it as much more expensive ignition coil problem), oil leak after replacing timing belt as they screwed things back in too tight. But it was a conmfortable drive, loads of storage space, and the original exhaust lasted till I got rid of it.
Now have a slightly smaller, less cubby-holes but very flexible boot space Nissan Note 1.5 diesel, 63mpg, great torque, up steep hills in 4th gear, nae bother. £120 pa road tax. Which "Best Buy". So far, so good.
No experience of towing however.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: ard mhacha
Date: 17 May 08 - 12:19 PM

MS Lemon A pensioners travel pass entitles all AOP`s to free travel by bus or train anywhere in Ireland, I don`t know if this applies to UK visitors.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Grab
Date: 17 May 08 - 04:22 PM

Enjoy the Scenic, Sal. A friend has one, and it's served him fairly well - no significant problems I've heard about.

Re classic cars...

Parts will be uncomplicated and so very cheap

However, parts will be required on a much more regular basis than most modern cars...

A good friend at my last job is a classic-car fan, particularly Triumphs, and takes part in the Round-Britain Rally every year. Over the 7 years I was there, there wasn't a single year he did that trip without some significant mechanical malfunction. One year the entire rear subframe came apart from the rest of the car! To his credit he finished more often than not, but that was usually by virtue of bloody-mindedness, quick bodges by the roadside, and carrying on with a car that was only just driveable. It wasn't just him either - from his experience, he reckoned 50% of the field finishing was a good result.

Also these days, you'd better consider fuel costs. Most modern cars with medium-sized engines can get 40mpg whilst cruising at 80mph down the motorway, and without too much noise for the occupants. If a classic car can even reach 80mph, and the occupants can stand the noise, you'd better believe you won't be getting 40mpg from it!

To be fair, there are some beautifully restored classics out there - lovely cars, reliable and everything. Every one represents hundreds of hours of work and thousands of pounds worth of parts, materials and labour to restore it, and you won't buy one for under £4k (you'd be lucky to find one under £8k). I bought my pristine 4-year-old 30k-miles Berlingo for £4k.

If you buy a classic, you're buying it for its looks and style. You're not buying it as a means of transport - that's strictly a secondary concern. Which is fair enough if that's what you want - if you happen to be like my mate, who loves the look of old Triumphs and loves tinkering with oily bits of metal - but it's not really the answer to the question of "what do I buy that'll get me from place to place cheaply?" :-/

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:06 PM

Sadly free travel in Ireland doesn't apply to visitors from Great Britain.

Indeed, while so far as free travel for oldies applies to people living anywhere in Ireland, regardless of the border, there's no equivalent within the island of Great Britain - English passholders can't use their passes in Scotland or Wales, and vice versa.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:16 PM

I'm not quite old enough for the buss pass yet. 8 yrs to go!

The car, so far, is ok. Having the tow bar fitted on Monday. Must remember to get a number plate as well. Yes I know I have to take registration docs etc!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Amos
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:23 PM

Ms L, it sounds like you got yourself a deal. I am still voting for the Toyota, though! :D


A

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: fumblefingers
Date: 17 May 08 - 11:15 PM

Fred Flintstone's car.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 May 08 - 04:21 PM

I heard today that I can pick up my new car next Wednesday - but I live in London without off-street parking, so it will just be a newer Micra and I won't be towing anything!

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 21 May 08 - 05:25 PM

sniff sniff, my lovely new car... my 15yr old son washed it for me last weekend. He used an old dust pan brush that we've always used to wash cars, but he scrubbed too hard. Now I have circular surface markes all over the thing, already the jinx is setting in! It went for a service (its first) and they said it would cost £40 just to buff the one side. It's ok, i'll do it myself.   Dear me, what ever next!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Riginslinger
Date: 21 May 08 - 10:02 PM

I think they make some after-market products that are pretty effective at taking out those kinds of blemishes.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 24 May 08 - 11:09 AM

Free bus travel at 60 for both genders in Scotland: I believe it doesn't cut in till 65 in N Ireland.
Love your Scenic, Sal, don't be put off by my experience: it IS a nice car! Try a little gentle T-cut?

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 May 08 - 03:47 AM

Don't forget you need to wax again after t-cutting

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Chief Chaos
Date: 25 May 08 - 05:52 PM

Were you here and not across the pond I'd cheerfully recommend a Mazda 3. I just got a hatchback and I'm already very fond of it.
Good mileage, decent performance and room, good safety marks and appeal and great resale value. Very good on my insurance as well and very little problem getting into parking spaces!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 08 - 05:13 AM

GRAB - Sorry have to disagree when you say you dont buy a classic car as a means of transport. Wifie uses her Rangie everyday to and from work, all shopping and other journeys and tows a trailer with two big horses in to shows almost every weekend from May to September. The Rangie is 34 years old. The only thing which failed the MOT last year was some corrosion around the anchor bolts for the rear seatbelts. Maybe she's just lucky and got a good 'un. My 12 month old top of the range over expensive Peugeot is back in the garage again (7th time in 12 months) - the steering wheel fell apart yesterday.
Give me the old 'tank' anyday.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 May 08 - 05:24 AM

That's why I never use a car wash Sal, too harsh on the paintwork.

G

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:11 AM

It wasn't a car wash Giok, it was my son! I did T cut and it is now fine.

You know I traded in a Kangoo? Well guess what? This is the very one! I bought it for £4,800 (from a dreadful garage) I part exchanged it for £3,500 and here it is now. A jinxed car not to be touched by anyone not even with a pole to push barges!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:19 AM

What I meant Sal, was that car washes also use brushes, which I think are too coarse for the purpose, and they can leave similar scratches in car paintwork.

G

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 May 08 - 12:47 PM

Ah now I understand.

8)

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: danensis
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:08 PM

At the other extreme, my ten year old Polo is reaching that stage where its bits are dropping off. Its just cost me over £100 for two new tyres and to realign the tracking, and another £117 for new exhaust bits.

When I'm being silly I fancy a Series III Landie, and when I'm being sensible I look at a Honda Jazz.

However I have also been looking at an LPG Disco......

John

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: HuwG
Date: 27 May 08 - 05:48 PM

My 1990 Rover 420 just passed its MOT, with only minor faults recorded. There are 98460 miles on the clock. Another two years, and I won't really have to worry about depreciation any more ... <g> It is still a very sprightly machine, and remarkably economical, as it will just about do 30mph (the legal limit in built-up areas) on tickoever in third gear.

However, major spare parts for such machines will soon come from scrapyards only. It is rather heavy, so stop-go traffic jams ruin the previously boasted economy, as it takes a lot of petrol to heave itself into motion from a standing start, only to stop again ten yards later.

Above all, it is British, tainted with '70s industrial unrest, '80s management incompetence and '90s shameless profit-taking.

...

I recently visited my little brother, who does various architectural and building contract work. He proudly showed me a slightly foxed Toyota Land Cruiser. He told me he had to pick the vehicle carefully. He needs a 4x4 to go on site, but if he turned up in a wreck of a Land Rover, the clients would think he was a cowboy, whereas if he turned up in a "Chelsea Tractor", they would think he was ripping them off.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Grab
Date: 28 May 08 - 11:07 AM

Guest, I guess if you *are* going to buy an old car, then a tank is a good move. :-)

To be fair, there are quite a few older 4x4s around. But they were always built with heavier metalwork, which would naturally take the rustworms longer to get through. Bodywork was usually the killer on old cars (although engines do wear out too - I bet you've had at least one new engine and gearbox over that time?).

The rustworm problem is why there's precisely one old car that I'd buy - Reliant Scimitar. Doesn't look too bad, in a 70s sort of way, and the fibreglass body is immune to rust. Shame Reliant self-destructed by deciding to make invalid carriages instead of proper cars, really.

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 May 08 - 11:56 AM

Grab yep have to admit it the Rangie had a new engine and gearbox 4 years ago. But still not a bad record. The back end (top and bottom tail gate) could do with replacing before too long and wifie reversing into my tractor didnt help the bumper (didnt she see it?), but all that said its still a star.
The very best moment of all was a couple of years ago she turned up at a show and parked next to a rather smart lady with a brand new BMW 4x4 and a matching new trailer. Mrs BMW spent the day looking down her nose at the old Rangie, the old Rice trailer and wifies horse known as the fat hairy pony. You'd think Mrs BMW thought she'd catch something from them.
Well it rained all day as it does and when we came to leave we loaded fat hairy pony, at the same time as Mrs BMW was loading her rather smart horse. Mrs BMW drove away all of about 10 feet and stopped dead wheels spinning going nowhere. Wifie poped the Rangie into first and warned it if it got stuck it was going straight to the scrap yard. You've guessed she gently pulled away through the mud no problem, and she couldnt resist a sweet smile and a wave to Mrs BMW.
Reason enough to keep the old heap I think.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 May 08 - 12:16 PM

And the Range Rover Guest?


G ¦¬]

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 29 May 08 - 07:54 AM

A friend in work here has a problem after washing his new car. The polishing cloth he had used for years scratched the windscreen on his new car. Apparently they are using softer glass now and it can scratch quite easily.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 May 08 - 01:30 PM

I presume that's how they make money. You claim and they benefit somehow?

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: bobad
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 10:49 AM

Volkswagon's 235 MPG car

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 04:37 AM

That's lovely but i'm not sure i can pull my trailer with that one!

Sal
(name change for a while, back soon)